Gemba Walks

All articles about Gemba Walks

Gemba walks: the common pitfalls
March 5, 2020
Gemba walks: the common pitfalls

FEATURE – The author discusses the most common mistakes leaders make during gemba walks and the things they need to keep in mind to make the most of this important management practice.

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Our gemba walks in Brazil
October 7, 2019
Our gemba walks in Brazil

FEATURE – Last month, the Lean Global Network met in Brazil for its annual meeting. As part of it, we visited several amazing gembas. Three of our lean coaches reflect on what we learned.

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Understanding what really happens on a gemba walk
July 20, 2017
Understanding what really happens on a gemba walk
gemba walk Tokheim Michael Ballé

FEATURE – Lean encourages us to go to the gemba as much as we can, but what should we actually do when walking the workspace? It turns out it’s not so much about doing as it is about thinking.

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Boaz Tamir on why we must do more than just go see
July 14, 2017
Boaz Tamir on why we must do more than just go see

COLUMN – Want to grasp the current situation? Then you must go to the gemba, but it would be a mistake to think that alone is enough to change your business… you also have to ask why and show respect.

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The story of the lean transformation of a crane manufacturer
July 6, 2016
The story of the lean transformation of a crane manufacturer

NOTES FROM THE GEMBA – In the past 15 months Terex Cranes has successfully initiated a lean transformation. Follow Catherine Chabiron on her gemba walk to see what this large company is doing to put learning at the heart of its activities.

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The future of agriculture - Jim Womack visits a lean farm
June 28, 2016
The future of agriculture - Jim Womack visits a lean farm

WOMACK'S YOKOTEN – Lean in agriculture might still be in its infancy, but there is a small farm in Indiana that is already proving how valuable lean principles and techniques can be to this industry.

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A gemba story to study lean thinking in construction
April 27, 2016
A gemba story to study lean thinking in construction

FEATURE – Drawing from his direct experience at the gemba, the author shares what he learned about applying lean thinking to his family’s construction company, and a few useful tips.

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How can we help others to apply what we learn at the gemba?
May 25, 2015
How can we help others to apply what we learn at the gemba?

WOMACK'S YOKOTEN - Given the name of this column, it only makes sense to analyze the word yokoten. So, how can we effectively help others to apply what we learn at the gemba? What makes yokoten successful?

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